DISCOVERY CHANNEL
Kirin Plaza Osaka. As its beer's namesake suggests, the KPO is dedicated to slaking the thirst of braincurious beer drinkers. It pays tribute to what Kirin does best: brewing beer. A range of microbrews are crafted on the premises, and anyone who thinks Kirin only makes bland mass-produced lagers is in for a shock.
But it is more than just about beer. It is also one of Osaka's most interesting, architecturally innovative and yet strangely unheralded institutions of formidable reputation in the international contemporary art circuit. Apparently, one of its most recent exhibitions cause a few ripples; jars of preserved human innards presented in AV format by a London-based Japanese artist. Needless to say, it got the attention it wanted. However, today was not to be the case though no less interesting.
Music Graffiti Japan. A total of about 1000 LP and CD jackets, posters music videos and music from the 1970s to the latest cutting edge J-Pop on exhibition. From early YMO (think Japan's version of The Cure), Sheena & the Rokkets, the cliched Shage & Asuka to Le 'Ciel Arc. Insightful into J-pop's cultural and musical history even though most of was lost on me in Japanese notes. Saw lots of Brit 70's and American 80's influence. Very "Ohmygawd! It's a Japanese Robert Smith!".
Other discoveries: Art Cafe KPO. It's the closest I've come to a cafe from Sydney. Not franchise and not American. Hoorah! Its coffee is the basic, black, latte or expresso (no cuppacino even!) and its deco just as simple. "Art" only as their Graf series chairs go. Still it's cornered away from the lemming crowd on Shinsaibashi and open balcony seating is better than nothing. Beggars can't be choosers.
Other $urpri$ing di$coverie$
1 packet of Arnott's TimTams ------------------------------ AUD$3.50
1 bag of Lavarzza Expresso coffee grind ------------------ AUD$10
1 jar of Schwartau (German) chocolate bread spread --- AUD$6
1 bottle of Frattorie Umbre (Italian) tomato sauce ------ AUD$6.90
1 packet of Agnesi spaghetti (No.2) ----------------------- AUD$3.50
Total price of 5 items: $30. (Prices converted from the JPY Yen obviously)
Audio: Our Lives by The Calling on VirginRadio UK.
Biblio: Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. Gone through all the books I've brought over and saved my favourite for last!
Cerebrio: The highcost of homesickness...
But it is more than just about beer. It is also one of Osaka's most interesting, architecturally innovative and yet strangely unheralded institutions of formidable reputation in the international contemporary art circuit. Apparently, one of its most recent exhibitions cause a few ripples; jars of preserved human innards presented in AV format by a London-based Japanese artist. Needless to say, it got the attention it wanted. However, today was not to be the case though no less interesting.
Music Graffiti Japan. A total of about 1000 LP and CD jackets, posters music videos and music from the 1970s to the latest cutting edge J-Pop on exhibition. From early YMO (think Japan's version of The Cure), Sheena & the Rokkets, the cliched Shage & Asuka to Le 'Ciel Arc. Insightful into J-pop's cultural and musical history even though most of was lost on me in Japanese notes. Saw lots of Brit 70's and American 80's influence. Very "Ohmygawd! It's a Japanese Robert Smith!".
Other discoveries: Art Cafe KPO. It's the closest I've come to a cafe from Sydney. Not franchise and not American. Hoorah! Its coffee is the basic, black, latte or expresso (no cuppacino even!) and its deco just as simple. "Art" only as their Graf series chairs go. Still it's cornered away from the lemming crowd on Shinsaibashi and open balcony seating is better than nothing. Beggars can't be choosers.
Other $urpri$ing di$coverie$
1 packet of Arnott's TimTams ------------------------------ AUD$3.50
1 bag of Lavarzza Expresso coffee grind ------------------ AUD$10
1 jar of Schwartau (German) chocolate bread spread --- AUD$6
1 bottle of Frattorie Umbre (Italian) tomato sauce ------ AUD$6.90
1 packet of Agnesi spaghetti (No.2) ----------------------- AUD$3.50
Total price of 5 items: $30. (Prices converted from the JPY Yen obviously)
Audio: Our Lives by The Calling on VirginRadio UK.
Biblio: Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga. Gone through all the books I've brought over and saved my favourite for last!
Cerebrio: The highcost of homesickness...
posted by The Chilibuddy @ 10:29 pm ::
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